What You Will Learn
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Exercise Science at CCM is based on the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommended core competencies for health and fitness professionals. The curriculum is grounded in scientific principles and their practical application for maintaining health through fitness and nutrition, training and performance, rehabilitation, and wellness. Graduates can evaluate risk factors, conduct fitness assessments, prescribe exercise, and motivate individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Become prepared to contribute to the fitness, nutrition, training and rehabilitation industry – aiding individuals, teams, community and industry groups and more!
The Personal Trainer Certificate of Achievement at CCM prepares students for one of the national certified personal trainer (CPT) exams through organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the America Council on Exercise (ACE), or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Students will get hands on experience with health risk appraisal, biometric fitness testing, exercise programming, exercise monitoring and instruction, business planning, and sales and marketing. Technical standards (specific functional abilities) are essential for the delivery of safe and effective administration of lab activities in the exercise science program and in broad entry-level practice. An individual must meet, with or without accommodations, these technical standards on acceptance and for the duration of the program.
Technical standards (specific functional abilities) are essential for the delivery of safe and effective administration of lab activities in the exercise science program and in broad entry-level practice. An individual must meet, with or without accommodations, these technical standards on acceptance and for the duration of the program.
Curriculum
For the 28-credit core, along with a 32-credit general education foundation, you will gain a wide range of knowledge in hands-on subjects such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, first aid and emergency care and personal and family health, wellness and nutrition.
The A.S. degree in Exercise Science at CCM is often used as a steppingstone to prepare you to further your education and be ready to enter a multitude of allied health careers.
Careers in the Field
There are a wide variety of career paths with an associate degree in Exercise Science. It is also an excellent major to prepare students for graduate study in healthcare. Examples include:
- Athletic Coaching
- Athletic Training
- Biomechanics
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
- Chiropractic
- Corporate Fitness
- Exercise Physiology
- Fitness Management
- Personal Training
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Education
- Physical Therapy
- Sports Nutrition
- Strength and Conditioning Coaching
Employment of personal trainers and instructors is projected to grow 39% by 2030, much faster than the average growth of employment in the U.S. About 69,100 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected annually over the next decade, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor.
If you are considering a career in Health/Physical Education teaching, please visit Teacher / Health & Physical Education.
The CCM program is designed for transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. See below for more information.
Why Study Exercise Science at CCM?
Student success is our mission and the faculty at CCM are qualified and passionate educators. Faculty share their current and past career experiences, allowing students to connect learning to the real-world. Our professors have either masters or doctorate degrees in their respective areas of study.
Our students enjoy small classroom sizes, and comfortable modern classrooms. The Exercise Science laboratory provides hands-on experience using computerized state-of-the-art metabolic equipment, bioelectrical impedance analysis equipment, hydro densitometry equipment, cycle ergometers, medical treadmills, ECG equipment, spirometers, skinfold calipers and more.
There are plenty of opportunities for student involvement in clubs and organizations, including the Exercise Science Club, athletic teams, community service and internships.
Where You Can Go
With an A.S. in Exercise Science, graduates are prepared for entry level jobs in the fitness industry. The program is designed for transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree which provides additional opportunities in careers such as:
- Athletic Coaching
- Corporate Fitness
- Exercise Physiology
- Fitness Training
- Physical Education
- Strength and Conditioning Coaching
Please visit this page if you are considering a career in Health/Physical Education teaching.
Exercise Science is often used as a stepping stone degree for graduate school to pursue an allied health career such as:
- Athletic Training
- Biomechanics
- Chiropractic
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Medical School
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Sports Nutrition
Transfer Opportunities
Graduates with an A.S. in Exercise Science from CCM benefit from New Jersey’s Statewide Transfer Agreement. This means that the general education requirements will be waived at New Jersey public colleges and universities, allowing students to transfer in with junior standing. In addition, many out-of-state institutions also accept CCM credits.
CCM Exercise Science students frequently transfer to the following colleges and universities.
In-State:
- Kean University
- Montclair State University
- Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- Stockton University
- William Paterson University
Out of State:
- Bloomsburg University, PA
- Coastal Carolina University, NC
- East Stroudsburg University, PA
- University of Delaware, DE
According to Salary.com the average Exercise Physiologist salary in the U.S. is $61,400 in 2022, and the range typically falls between $54,142 and $70,977. Employment of personal trainers and instructors is projected to grow 39 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average. About 69,100 openings for fitness trainers and instructors are projected annually over the next decade as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor.
Paying for Your Exercise Science Education
Earning a degree in exercise science is a powerful investment that is a springboard to both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your CCM education.
Featured Courses
Introduction to Exercise Science
This course is recommended in the first semester to acquaint you with the development and structure of the field of exercise science. The current scientific development of the field is stressed, with emphasis on basic exercise physiology, health and fitness.
Personal and Family Nutrition
Study the relationships of nutrition and eating patterns to one’s health, nutritive value and composition of foods, metabolism, functions and requirements of nutrients throughout life, and essentials of an adequate diet. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of nutrition concepts in everyday life.
Exercise Physiology
This lecture/lab course includes the study of human responses and adaptations to exercise of varying levels of stress and intensity. Major topics: bioenergetics, the physiology of the circulatory, respiratory, muscular and nervous systems as they apply to exercise, and the underlying physiological basis of fitness.
Resources
